Foundation for Global Aviation

• Established in 1944 for aviation oversight

• A specialized agency of the United Nations

Standards and Practices

• Sets crucial safety, security, and efficiency standards

Member States Collaboration

• Facilitates cooperation among 193 countries

Aviation Development

• Aids in economic growth and cultural exchange globally

Route Expansion

• Fosters planning and development of international air transport

Economic and Cultural Integration

• Enhances global trade and tourism

Adaptive Strategies

• Evolves with technology and geopolitical shifts

Sustainability and Safety

• Advocates for eco-friendly and secure aviation practices

1. Contracting States

• These are the 193 member states that have ratified the Chicago Convention (1944), which established ICAO.

• They are the sovereign signatories to the convention and hold ultimate authority over ICAO’s policies and direction.

• In the diagram, they are shown at the top as the highest authority — they elect the Council, approve budgets, and adopt amendments to ICAO Annexes (standards and recommended practices).

2. Assembly

• The supreme governing body of ICAO.

• Composed of representatives from all Contracting States.

• Meets every three years to set general policy, approve the budget, and elect members of the Council.

• It functions as the “parliament” of ICAO.

3. Council

· A governing body elected by the Assembly for a 3-year term.

· Consists of 36 member states chosen based on their importance in air transport (traffic volume, geographic representation, etc.).

· Acts as the executive board between Assembly sessions.

Responsible for:

1. Adopting international standards (Annexes to the Chicago Convention)

2. Monitoring compliance

3. Coordinating technical assistance

Reporting to the Assembly

4. Committees

· Technical bodies that support the Council in specific areas such as:

o Air Navigation Commission (ANC)

o Air Transport Committee

o Legal Committee

o Finance Committee

· They provide expert advice and draft recommendations or standards for the Council’s approval.

5. Air Navigation Commission (ANC)

· A key technical body composed of 19 aviation experts appointed by the Council.

Responsible for:

· Developing and amending Annexes to the Chicago Convention (e.g., Annex 6 on Aircraft Operations, Annex 13 on Accident Investigation)

· Ensuring technical consistency and global harmonization of aviation standards

· Works closely with Panels (see below) and reports to the Council.

6. Panels

· Smaller, specialized working groups under the ANC.

· Composed of technical experts from member states and industry.

· Focus on specific technical issues (e.g., flight data recorder standards, runway safety, airspace design).

· Develop detailed proposals and draft text for new or revised standards, which are then reviewed by the ANC and approved by the Council.

7. Secretariat

· The permanent administrative body of ICAO.

· Headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

· Led by the Secretary General, who is appointed by the Council.

Responsible for:

· Day-to-day operations

· Implementing decisions of the Assembly and Council

· Providing technical assistance and training to member states

· Publishing documents, managing meetings, and coordinating global aviation programs

8. Supporting Bodies Mentioned:

· AVSECP (Air Navigation Services and Infrastructure Committee)

· Focuses on air traffic services, infrastructure, and operational procedures.

· CAEP (Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection)

· Addresses environmental issues like aircraft noise, emissions, and climate impact.

Summary in One Sentence:

ICAO’s structure ensures that sovereign states govern through the Assembly and Council, while technical experts (through ANC and Panels) develop global standards, all supported by a permanent Secretariat that implements and coordinates international aviation policy.